FUHWE (pronounced fa-we) will offer hundreds of thousands of tourists gathering in the Big Easy in late April the opportunity to explore like a local from their iOS devices, and New Orleanians a chance to monetize their passions. The travel app will launch just in time for the the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and national tech summit Collision, being held in New Orleans for the first time April 26 – 28.

FUHWE is the brainchild of Grenada citizens, Patricia Maher and Shawn Louis, whose fiery passion for travel and connecting with locals inspired them to create a better way to explore destinations. The entrepreneurs won the top prize at New Orleans Startup Weekend in October 2015. The name is a Caribbean expression meaning “for us,” and its logo is a pineapple, a universal symbol of hospitality and warm greetings.

“When we came to New Orleans it instantly felt like home, and we knew it was the right city to launch our app. It’s no wonder many say New Orleans is the ‘northernmost Caribbean city,’” said Co-Founder Patricia Maher. “That palpable hospitality is what’s going to drive FUHWE.”

“New Orleanians are extremely passionate about this city, and showing it to people our way.” said one of the first enlisted FUHWE local hosts, Melissa Rekic. “When I heard about FUHWE at Startup Weekend, I applied to be a local host right away. I can’t think of a better way to make extra money than being able to meet people from around the world, and show them what I already know and love.”

FUHWE founders not only want to create authentic, safe, local experiences, but to contribute to the sustainability of destinations. By enlisting locals to create unique experiences that utilize their passions, interests and knowledge, money will stay closer to home.

“Some of my favorite experiences in New Orleans involve trying out the restaurants. I love to support local businesses and to experience the city’s unique culture, cuisine, and hospitality,” said Trich Lee, Loyola student and FUHWE partner.

The app will be available for free download on iOS at its launch in late April, and later this year on Android devices. FUHWE’s hope is to offer hospitality, sustainability, and authentic local experiences in cities all around the world.

FUHWE encourages locals and explorers to share their unique perspective of New Orleans with the world through using the hashtag #ExploreLikeALocal on social media. Apply to be a local host or learn more at fuhwe.com. Find FUHWE on Facebook, Twitter andInstagram.